Screening for diabetic retinopathy in remote Australia: A program description and evaluation of a devolved model

Screening for diabetic retinopathy in remote Australia: A program description and evaluation of a devolved model Journal Article

Australian Journal of Rural Health

• Author(s): Donna B. Mak, Aileen J. Plant, Ian McAllister
• Published: 2003
• Volume: 11

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Abstract: Objectives: To describe the diabetic retinopathy screening program operating in the Kimberley and evaluate recruitment into and the quality and timeliness of, the screening procedure. Method: Review of the documents relating to the Kimberley diabetic retinopathy screening program and analysis of Kimberley diabetic retinopathy screening database. Results: The Kimberley Public Health Unit developed and maintains a program of training, credentialing and ongoing professional development for retinal camera practitioners and a Kimberley-wide database of retinal photographs taken for diabetic retinopathy screening. As a result of this program, diabetic retinopathy screening is available in or close to most diabetics’ home towns/communities and 58% had undergone retinopathy screening in the preceding 2 years. Over 90% of sets of photographs were of excellent or adequate quality. There was a positive relationship between credentialing and photograph quality and timeliness of photographs being sent away for reporting. Conclusions: Quality diabetic retinopathy screening, at prevalences comparable to, or higher than, other urban and rural populations, can be achieved in a remote area. What is already known: Screening and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent visual loss associated with diabetes. However, there is little published literature about the operational aspects of diabetic retinopathy screening programs in remote area settings. What this study adds: Diabetic retinopathy screening in remote areas can be successfully implemented using non-mydriatic retinal photography performed by credentialed local health professionals, such as Aboriginal health workers and nurses.

• Urls: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2003.00524.x
• Keywords: aboriginal, diabetic retinopathy, evaluation, remote area health, screening